Substandard M3 road markings 'require urgent investigation'

"Massive failing in road marking infrastructure" as M3 stretch between Camberley and Bagshot named as worst

A total of 94% of road markings along a four-mile stretch of the M3 through Surrey Heath are in urgent need of replacement, a new survey has revealed.

The head of the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) said the road was exposing motorists to an "unacceptable" risk of serious harm.

The organisation’s 2014 Lifelines survey analysed more than 4,000 miles of the UK road network – the most extensive study of its kind.

It found 47% of markings nationwide needed replacing immediately, a "shameful" blight on Britain’s roads according to RSMA director George Lee.

The quality of markings is measured according to reflectivity, rated in millicandelas (mcd), with 150mcd the industry standard and with markings below 80mcd requiring immediate replacement.

The M3 between junction 4 for Camberley and junction 3 for Bagshot was singled out for criticism with the vast majority of markings deemed below 80mcd, making it the poorest performing road in the country.

It was closely followed by the A322 between Bagshot and Bracknell, where 84% of markings were at 80mcd or below.

"That stretch requires urgent investigation as it runs the risk of exposing drivers to an unacceptable level of risk of serious harm.

"This is not a back road. This is a priority route, a road people use at 70mph.

"Of course, we accept these are heavily trafficked roads. But the Highways Agency and county councils need to be asking serious questions of their contractors and the priority given to road markings in their budgets. How can these roads be allowed to get so bad?”

The RSMA’s Lifelines England survey found 52% of markings on motorways, 42% on dual carriageways and 48% on single carriageways failed to meet minimum standards.

Mr Lee added: “It’s shameful, half the markings on roads in England are so worn out they need to be replaced.

"Taxpayers are paying to have roads maintained, including the markings, and this is just not happening.”

Planned work

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said the organisation would not comment on specific cases.

A spokesman for the Department of Transport, which has responsibility for Britain’s motorways and A-roads, said the country’s roads were among the safest in the world.

“In the majority of cases, maintenance of road markings is carried out as part of planned work. It is for the authorities to ensure roads are fit for purpose,” he added.

Work will get under way in May on plans to turn the M3 junctions 2-4a, from the M25 to Farnborough, into a section of 'smart motorway'.

The scheme aims to increase capacity by permanently widening and opening up the hard shoulder as a fourth lane.

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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.